SEVENTEEN’s ‘FOLLOW TO’ In Bulacan Brings Them Closer Than Ever To Filipino CARATs

In a massive stadium packed with a sea of your fellow fans, one might wonder: is it delusional to feel as if SEVENTEEN was directly addressing me in the crowd?

If you ask the majority of people in attendance at either of their back-to-back shows at the Philippine Sports Stadium last weekend (January 13 and 14), you’d understand why. You see, with SEVENTEEN, there’s a certain magnetism that builds a special bond between them and the Filipino CARATs in attendance at their shows. 

With it being over a year since their last visit to the country, the excitement was palpable — from the show’s announcement a few months ago to the mere seconds before they emerged on stage. The 13-month drought period built up a whole lot of anticipation for their return, with both days of the show selling out in a near instant. 

Being one of K-pop’s most notable groups, there is no doubt about SEVENTEEN’s place as multi-faceted performers in the global scene. As the biggest-selling musical act in Korea, their music obviously resonates with a universal audience, yet it transcends sonic boundaries when performed in a live setting. 

From the very first note of the opener “SUPER”, SEVENTEEN made it clear that the night wasn’t just about their performance; but it was about forging connections with the fans in attendance. Their entrance on stage, received by thunderous applause from all sections of the stadium, was followed by a dazzling display of talent and charisma –– as seen from the hold of their gaze that was presented on the larger-than-life screens.

Their captivating performances of “DON QUIXOTE”, “CLAP”, “Don’t Wanna Cry”, “F*ck My Life”, and “THANKS” marked a phenomenal first act that blended showmanship with a spectacular set of synchronized choreography that made the boys’ visions in angelic white. Following their first round of performances, the group addressed the crowd as if they were long-lost friends who missed one another. Joshua even asked, “It’s been a long time [Manila]. Did you miss us?” –– to which the crowd responded with thunderous applause.

The group’s fondness for Filipino CARATs made audiences feel that each interaction we bore witness to felt personal and intimate despite the huge size of the venue. And as their kindred energy became more evident, the members became more at ease with one another and with the crowd. “Let’s have fun tonight. Mahal ko kayo (I love you)!” said WOOZI to the crowd.

Soon after, the special showcases for each of the group’s units were next up, highlighting the versatility of each member. The emotional, heartfelt performance of “Dust” and “Pinwheel” performed by the Vocal Unit elicited a flood of tears from the audience, while the extravagant showcase to “HIGHLIGHT” and “I Don’t Understand But I Luv U” by the Performance Unit left the stadium impressed. Even the group’s Hip Hop Unit left the whole venue sizzling red-hot with their explosive spectacle of “Back it up” and “Fire”.

With their demonstration of the ‘SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN’ candy-coated visuals, the members performed energetic and inspired renditions to “HOME; RUN”, “Left & Right”, “BEAUTIFUL”, “God of Music”, “April Shower”, and “Kidult” provided the stadium with a radiant spark that invigorated audiences with a much-needed energy boost, following the long day of soaking up the sun. Yet to showcase their versatility, the group shifted the energy with their performances of “Anyone”, “Good To Me”, and “HOT” which featured an impressive exhibition of large-scale pyrotechnics and fireworks to fit the heated movements of the members on stage. 

It’s absolutely worth mentioning just how palpable the energy in the stadium was with each track, with the passionate enthusiasm of Filipino CARATs providing the fuel for the boys to give their all with their performances. Some could describe the special synergy between the group and their fans as electric –– marking a vibrant exchange of love and appreciation from the stage and outward. 

Filipino CARATs, known for their fervor, turned the stadium into a sea of lights, illuminating the venue with their light sticks and unwavering support. Like diamonds under pressure, these fans know how to overcome a series of hurdles in their pilgrimage journey just to bear witness for SEVENTEEN. They rocked the stadium (to the point that it split open, literally), and sang their hearts out to nearly every track of the show’s three-hour setlist.

In spite S.COUPS and Jeonghan‘s absence (due to injuries), it didn’t cast shadows over the group’s performance. On the contrary, it became a testament to SEVENTEEN’s resilience and determination –– exemplifying just how much the remaining members worked tirelessly, their synchronized moves and powerful vocals filling the void left by their absent comrades.

The group’s professionalism pulled through despite numerous issues that occurred throughout the show, whether it was Seungkwan taking a break halfway through the show or logistical frustrations. Amidst all the challenges, the members still managed to rise above it all and allowed each of their personalities to shine through with their sheer presence on the stage.  It was evident that the group had poured their hearts into every performance of theirs, giving their 110% in their gestures that did not go unnoticed by the emotionally charged audience.

As the concert reached its zenith, SEVENTEEN then came out in two separate carts (like parade floats) which passed through all corners of the venue –– giving the members a moment to express their gratitude, and say hello face front to their fans attendance. Each member of the group made an effort to respond to the crowd, reading any signs held up by those present. 

Their last showcase, featured captivating yet heartfelt performances of “Run to you”, “Together (Eng. Version)”, and “To you” as they walked around all areas of the giant diamond stage, until the moment that they delivered their closing ‘ments’ that resonated through the crowd with sincerity and warmth. “Babalik kami para sa inyo (We’ll come back for you), I love you”, Mingyu says to the Flipino CARATs, holding half a heart beside his right cheek. 

Joshua didn’t hold back from getting sentimental, assuring fans just how much their group cherishes their unwavering support. “We missed you so much, honestly. Every time we come here, your energy is amazing. We always have such a great time with you guys, so we wanted to be back”, he mentions. Concluding his expression of gratitude, he states; “We came to such a big stadium because of you guys, so hopefully today is a really great memory for you. We’ll be back soon so don’t worry. Mahal ko kayo!” –– to which the crowd responds in a frenzy.

The encore, with inspired and energetic performances to “HIT” and their signature track “VERY NICE“, a moment that felt like a collective heartbeat, saw the members returning to the stage with renewed vigor. The cheers of the fans reached a crescendo, echoing the resilience of both SEVENTEEN and their CARATs. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of love and unity, an unspoken pact between the band and their fans to weather any storm together.

Beyond SEVENTEEN’s remarkable talent, showmanship, and entertaining prowess, there’s an intangible quality that takes center stage — their genuine connection with their fans. While the band’s friendship shines throughout every aspect of the show, they extend that warmth and invitation to the crowd, creating an atmosphere where we feel not merely as onlookers but as friends sharing a memorable moment together.

SEVENTEEN’s ability to bridge the gap between the stage and the crowd is what elevates their concerts into more than a musical spectacle. It becomes a shared experience, a celebration of a bond that’s uniquely ours and theirs.

After two nights of relentless energy and powerful performances, this definitely doesn’t mark the final chapter of SEVENTEEN in the Philippines, but merely a temporary “see-you-later” until their inevitable return. In the words of Hoshi, “Wherever CARAT goes, SEVENTEEN will be there.”